KahtoolaINSTAgaiter Low Gaiters for Hiking, Trail Running, Mountaineering, Hunting, Rocky Terrain, Mud, Snow & Ice

Product breaths quality, haven’t tried them yet but know quality when I see it

These gaiters have worked perfectly for my hike of the PCT. After 800 miles they barely show any wear, even on the strap that goes under the shoe sole. They fit comfortably and have worked well with Topo Terraventures as well as Altra Lone Peak and Timps. (Yes, they’ve outlasted three pairs of shoes!) Sadly, something carried one off in the night and I had to order a different brand because these were going to take too long to arrive. I have no doubt they would’ve lasted another 1000 miles. Will definitely order again for my next hike!

I did about 64 miles on the Oregon Coast Trail wearing these. The weather was nice so I didn't have to worry about rain but we were on the beach most the time. I literally did not get any sand in my shoes at all. I'm still a little shocked.

-- Updated 01/28/2021 ---Back when I brought my first pair on December 2, 2019 and wrote the subsequent review, I did indeed receive help with keeping the zipper up from the manufacturer. It seems all you have to do is make sure the zipper tap is pointing down and that locks the zipper in the up position.Great product support so far.Now on to winter 2020. I went out for a run in the snow and I got home taking the INSTAgaiter's off, one of the zippers just came off in my hand.I only use these when it snows, and couldn't have used them more than a dozen times in the 1-1/3" winters I've had them. I can't understand how snow could make the zipper come off. I missed the 1 hear warranty period by about a month.I brought another pair since they work so well with my Hokka Speedgoat 4's and Challenger ATR 5's which I run with in the winter. But I can't spring the $$ to replace these every winter.Hopefully I'll get through this season and can evaluate something a little more durable.--- end update ----I have tried using the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low during two 1 mile runs in the snow.Both times the zipper opens up at the top in less than a quarter mile and by half a mile it's mid-way open.When the zipper is halfway down I can feel the snow coming into my running shoes.I like the product, it's lightweight, goes on and comes off very easily , and is very packable. But if it can't be made functional then there isn't any need for me to keep it. I'll contact the seller/manufacturer Kahtoola to see if they can help before setting up a return.

Since it doesn’t cover the entire top of the shoe, it’s not going to be very effective against water getting into the shoe. It’s so easy to make the top closure too tight and it’ll cut into your leg if you do. But it’s ok for what it is. I might have to attach a bit of waterproof fabric to make it cover the rest of the shoe top.

Have used these on two 8 mile desert hikes and they work great. Might need to switch them between feet (L/R) so the zipper side ia easier to stretch & zip. Also, make sure to pull the chord tight at the top to close them around your leg.

Plastic straps were hard to adjust. And then trying to Zip it when it was really tight it was difficult. So I decided to return.

After a season and a half, an under strap wore through. How can I get a replacement?Kraig